Home > El Salvador Cathedral in Orihuela Costa Blanca

El Salvador Cathedral in Orihuela Costa Blanca

With loads of interesting and magnificent museums and churches, Orihuela Costa Blanca has become one of the most popular towns especially for those who are looking for some historical and cultural trip. This becomes evident when you see the many churches, monuments and even palaces that occupy the whole area.

Catedral del Salvador or El Salvador Cathedral is considered as the most important parish church within the area and has a gothic style. Alijama Mosque used to stand on the place during the first third of the 14th century where El Salvador Cathedral now stands. It had been made into a cathedral in 1564 during which time bishopric was granted to the city.

The name of this structure, El Salvador Cathedral, literally means the Cathedral of the Transfiguration. Its architecture consists of a simple arch that rises to a sharp point, which is common and well-known in the 14th century. The structure has a Latin cross floor plan. Its primary door, which is called the “Door of Chains”, is Gothic in style. The other access doors are the Loreto, which is also in Gothic style and La Anunciacion, which is in Renaissance style.

However, this magnificent building that has a fantastic ogival work, was destroyed in 1827 for the purpose of enlarging the enclosure. However, the pattern or the lattice of bars in the choir and high altar area are regarded as the most excellent ones and are 16th century Renaissance. In 1733, Bishop Jose Flores Osirio built a street that separates the enormous Episcopal places from the Cathedral. Inside the building you can find a fabulous staircase. Also within the cathedral are the Museum of Religious Art and some major and valuable works such as the “The Temptation of Saint Thomas”, a masterpiece of Velasquez.

This cathedral is just one of the various historic structures that were built and stood in the past but still are standing ever gracefully nowadays. So for those who want to dig up an enchanting part of history, Orihuela Costa Blanca is just right for you.

This post has also been translated into Spanish by using the Google online translation tool, Catedral de El Salvador en Orihuela Costa Blanca is the translated post. If you feel you can add something positive to the Spanish translation please feel free to contact me through the comments section below or though The Olive Branch contact page, many thanks.